Hemostatic Complications During Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Roller Pump and Centrifugal Pump Driven Circuits.

Recently three different neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits have been employed in our clinic. These circuits were compared for clotting and bleeding complications. Initially, we used an ECMO circuit containing a roller pump and venous bladder without severe complications.

The impact of circulation in a heart-lung machine on function and survival characteristics of red blood cells.

Extracorporeal circulation is accompanied by changes in red blood cell morphology and structural integrity that affect cell function and survival, and thereby may contribute to the various side effects of heart-lung machine-assisted surgery. Our main objectives were to determine the effect of circulation of red blood cells in a stand-alone extracorporeal circuit on several parameters that are known to be affected by, as well as contribute to red blood cell aging. As a source of RBCs, we employed blood bank storage units of different ages.

Platelet-leukocyte rich gel application in the prevention of deep sternal wound problems after cardiac surgery in obese diabetic patients.

Background: Deep sternal wound problems (DSWP) are a rare, but serious complication following cardiac surgery requiring extensive medical treatment and resulting in increased mortality. Cardiac surgery patients presenting with both obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM 2) showed an increased incidence of DSWP in our clinic. As platelets upon activation have been shown to excrete growth factors and attractants for tissue stem cells, thus potentially promoting tissue healing, we investigated whether activated platelets could reduce the incidence of DSWP.

An in vitro bioassay to determine individual sensitivity to glucocorticoids: induction of FKBP51 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Individual variation in sensitivity to glucocorticoids (GCs) poses a dilemma to the clinician. Currently available assays to determine individual sensitivity to GCs either seem imprecise, or they are based on mitogen-activated lymphocytes, although mitogens themselves may affect cellular GC sensitivity. To avoid these disadvantages, we developed an assay based on the GC-induced accumulation of the 51kDa FK506 binding protein (FKBP51) mRNA in unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), measured using real time PCR.

Glucocorticoid-induced increase in lymphocytic FKBP51 messenger ribonucleic acid expression: a potential marker for glucocorticoid sensitivity, potency, and bioavailability.

To reduce the side effects of corticosteroid treatment, the administered dose of glucocorticoids (GCs) should be kept to a minimum while preserving therapeutically needed intracellular levels. Currently available assays to determine individual sensitivity to GCs are either imprecise or based on inhibition by GCs of lymphocyte proliferation following stimulation with phytohemagglutinin or other mitogens, which may influence the GC signal transduction pathway. Using the human lymphoblastoid cell line IM-9 as a model system, we studied whether the GC-induced increase of the mRNA encoding the 51-kDa FK506-binding protein (FKBP51) could be used for the development of a novel assay, ultimately to be used in native human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Chromosomal imbalances in primary oligodendroglial tumors and their recurrences: clues about malignant progression detected using comparative genomic hybridization.

Object: Despite the rapid increase in knowledge concerning the genetic basis of malignant progression in astrocytic tumors, progression of oligodendroglial tumors (including both pure oligodendrogliomas and mixed oligoastrocytomas) is still poorly understood. The aim of the present study is the elucidation of chromosomal imbalances involved in the progression of oligodendroglial tumors toward malignancy.

Methods: Using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) on snap-frozen tumor tissue, the tumor genomes of five primary oligodendroglial tumors and associated recurrent tumors were screened for chromosomal imbalances.